Steering Shaft: Service and Repair

Intermediate Steering Shaft Replacement

Removal Procedure

Caution: With wheels of the vehicle facing straight ahead, secure the steering wheel utilizing steering column anti-rotation pin, steering column lock, or a strap to prevent rotation. Locking of the steering column will prevent damage and a possible malfunction of the SIR system. The steering wheel must be secured in position before disconnecting the following components:

* The steering column
* The intermediate shaft(s)
* The steering gear

After disconnecting these components, do not rotate the steering wheel or move the front tires and wheels. Failure to follow this procedure may cause the SIR coil assembly to become un-centered and cause possible damage to the SIR coil. If you think the SIR coil has became un-centered, refer to your specific SIR coil's centering procedure to re-center SIR Coil.

Note: The steering column lever MUST be in the LOCK (FULL UP) position before disconnecting the following components:

* The steering column
* The intermediate steering shaft

1. Turn the steering wheel to the straight forward position and support it from movement.
2. Remove the left front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.




3. Remove the intermediate steering shaft lower bolt at the steering gear and discard it.
4. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering gear.
5. Remove the left side instrument panel insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side.




6. Remove the intermediate steering shaft bolt at the steering column and discard it.
7. Disconnect the intermediate steering shaft from the steering column.




8. Squeeze the 4 lock tabs on the intermediate steering shaft seal and pull it towards the inside of the vehicle to unseat it from the instrument panel compartment pass-through.
9. Remove the intermediate steering shaft from inside the vehicle.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the intermediate steering shaft from inside the vehicle.

Note: Do NOT twist or squeeze the seal during installation and position it in its original position. Ensure the it is properly seated and inspect the 4 lock tabs from the engine side for any damage. If the intermediate steering shaft seal lock tabs are damaged then replace the seal.

2. Seat the intermediate steering shaft seal by pushing it forward from the inside of the vehicle until all four lock tabs are fully seated.
3. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering column.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution Fastener Caution.

4. Install the new intermediate steering shaft bolt.

* For electronic power steering, tighten the bolt to 49 Nm (36 lb ft).
* For hydraulic power steering, tighten the bolt to 62 Nm (46 lb ft).

5. Install the left side instrument panel insulator panel. Refer to Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side Instrument Panel Insulator Panel Replacement - Left Side.
6. Connect the intermediate steering shaft to the steering gear.




7. Install the new intermediate steering shaft lower bolt and tighten to 49 Nm (36 lb ft).
8. Install the left front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation Service and Repair.